The latest news and information regarding St. Louis car accidents. Car accident attorney Christopher Hoffmann provides useful tips on what to do if you are involved a Missouri auto accident and how you can work to prevent such accidents from happening.

03/04/2019

St. Louis Uber Accident Attorney

Ride-sharing companies are becoming more and more popular. You can get a car at your front door with just a few taps on a smartphone. However, whenever someone gets injured during an Uber ride, the question is: who is held responsible?

Even in cases where your Uber driver was at fault, it may prove difficult to get compensation for your injuries. This is why you should consider speaking with a St. Louis Uber accident attorney as soon as possible.

Collecting Damages from Uber

There are some studies that suggest Uber and other such companies can often have a negative effect on traffic and increase the number of collisions. Whether this proves true or not, the victims of these accidents are often left wondering what is the best way they can get compensation.

As a Missouri resident, you are generally entitled to collect damages sustained while in an Uber vehicle if it is found that the driver was responsible for the accident. Uber offers its drivers insurance that can protect them from loss of income or cover medical expenses for this exact reason. As such, you’ll typically have to collect damages from the Uber driver’s insurer.

If, however, you intend to file a lawsuit, then chances are you will be dealing with the driver, and not the company. Uber drivers are independent contractors, and therefore the company generally cannot be held liable for the reckless actions of one of their drivers. Instead, any lawsuit will be filed against the driver of the vehicle that caused your injuries.

The only possible scenario where the company is liable for a suit is if you prove negligence on their part, such as not doing their due diligence when screening potential drivers. If there is no proof of negligence, then the company will likely bear no responsiblity.

Moreover, if the Uber driver is not at fault for the accident, then any claim you’ll want to file will likely be against the insurance company of the other driver.

What Should You Do?

It can be very difficult to determine who is at fault in a car accident. Insurance companies will often conduct their investigations to determine who is the party responsible, particularly if someone files a claim against them. If they deem the accident was not caused by the individual they insure, it’s possible they can dismiss the claim.

It’s best to work with a good St. Louis car accident lawyer, especially if they also have experience in handling cases involving Uber or other ride-sharing companies. They will review your case and recommend the best course of action to get compensated, so don’t hesitate to ask for their help if you’re in this situation. Give us a call 24/7 at (314) 361-4242 and we can review your case free of charge.